NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2003 NBA Rookie Shoot on September 10, 2003 in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement Copyright 2003 NBAE

Rare LeBron rookie card expected to fetch $1M at auction

Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty

A rare autographed LeBron James rookie card will soon hit the auction block.

The LBJ 2003-2004 Upper Deck Exquisite card is being auctioned off by Goldin Auctions, which told TMZ Sports that it expects the piece to sell for over $1 million. The card is one of only 23 produced and has a "gem mint" rating of 9.5.

"The basketball card market is on fire," Goldin said. "We expect this will surpass the record recently set by the $922,500 Mike Trout card to become the most valuable basketball and most valuable modern card of all time."

In addition to James' signature, the card also contains a patch of fabric from a jersey he wore during his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bidding opens June 22.

(Photo courtesy: Goldin Auctions/TMZ Sports)

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